RUNWAY RAAGA – Curtain Raiser unfolded as an evocative celebration of luxury, inclusivity, and contemporary fashion storytelling at The Mills, Pune, firmly positioning the city at the forefront of India’s evolving couture landscape.
Conceived as The Rhythm of Fashion, the evening went far beyond a traditional runway showcase. It emerged as an immersive experience where design, movement, and emotion converged, offering a thoughtfully curated narrative that resonated with cultural depth and creative intention. Designers, fashion insiders, media professionals, and tastemakers gathered to witness a platform redefining how fashion is presented and perceived.
The showcase opened on a powerful and inclusive note with a Vitiligo presentation curated by Chopsy Oberoi, celebrating individuality and representation through understated yet impactful storytelling. This opening set the tone for the evening—one rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and purposeful design.
Silverblood: The Alchemy of Element 80
The defining moment of the night belonged to celebrity designer Ken Ferns, who commanded the runway with his striking couture collection Silverblood – The Alchemy of Element 80. Headlined by Iranian-German actor Elnaaz Norouzias the celebrity showstopper, the showcase delivered a visually arresting interpretation of Mercury—the only metal that exists in a fluid state.
Drawing inspiration from science and transformation, the collection explored motion, metamorphosis, and energy through modern sculptural silhouettes. Fluid forms glided across the runway, enhanced by metallic textures and intricate hand embroidery inspired by molecular structures and atomic movement.
A dramatic colour palette of gunmetal, chrome, icy silver, oxidised blues, and deep crimson mirrored the shifting moods of Mercury, positioning Silverblood as a bold statement in contemporary couture—dynamic, expressive, and unapologetically powerful.
Fashion as Movement and Emotion
Speaking about the creative direction, Chaitanya Gokhale, Show Director and Choreographer, shared:
“Runway Raaga was envisioned as an experience where movement, emotion, and design work in harmony. Every segment was crafted to feel expressive and inclusive, allowing fashion to communicate beyond garments.”
Echoing the philosophy behind the platform, Shruti Bengre, Founder & Owner of Merakianz Media House and Runway Raaga, added:
“Runway Raaga brings together fashion, emotion, and experience. From design to curated cuisines, every element contributes to a layered narrative. Created for the discerning, it is a platform where creative dreams are realised, voices are amplified, and fashion is celebrated without boundaries.”
A Growing National Fashion Platform
The presence of prominent fashion influencers alongside leading fashion and beauty journalists further reinforced Runway Raaga’s growing reputation as a platform championing contemporary fashion through inclusivity, creativity, and refined storytelling. With its next showcase scheduled in Goa, Runway Raaga continues to expand its national footprint, bridging regional aesthetics with global luxury sensibilities.
The event was presented by NECC, in association with Venky’s, Vencobb, and RK Group, with BMW Bavaria Motorsand MINI Bavaria Motors as Luxury Mobility Partners. The Mills, Pune served as the venue partner, while Rocket Reels powered the showcase as the streaming partner. Conceptualised by Shruti Bengre, the event was executed by Merakianz Media House (MMH) in association with Naushad Shaikh.
About Runway Raaga
Runway Raaga is a national touring luxury fashion showcase presenting India’s leading couture designers while championing emerging talent from culturally rich regions and metropolitan cities. Rooted in the belief that creativity knows no boundaries, Runway Raaga blends tradition with innovation to curate elevated experiences that reflect regional aesthetics while meeting global luxury standards.
Guided by its philosophy, “Beyond Fashion, Building Futures,” Runway Raaga continues to redefine the landscape of Indian couture—creating a platform for the discerning who appreciate the finer things in life.
